Big third period helps T-Birds win 9th straight

They recorded a season low 22 shots on net, but the Soo Thunderbirds still managed to find the back of the net on Tuesday night, as they defeated the Blind River Beavers 7-5 at the Essar Centre.

The win extended the T-Birds winning streak to nine games while snapping the Beavers winning streak at two.

“We faced some adversity at the start, but we managed to play the system and make it simple,” said T-Birds defenceman Wyatt Villalta.

After being tied 1-1 after one, and 3-3 after two, a four goal third period would help the Soo win their final home game before the Christmas break and new year.

“We put our hard hats on and went to work. Potted some goals, started shooting and it just worked out for us,” continued the rookie defenceman.

In his 16th game played on Tuesday night, Villalta also scored his first career NOJHL goal at the 11:59 mark of the second period.

“If feels great to pot my first one. My rookie season is going pretty good. I had a rough start with my ankle injury, but I’m back at it, I feel better than ever and just having a fun time,” said the Godfrey, Ontario native.

T-Birds captain Matt Caruso scored twice and added an assist on the night while assistant captain Jake Behse set up three goals.

Austin Kozluk had a goal and an assist while Ryan Waterhouse and Keegan Stevenson chipped in with two assists each.

Zach Senecal (power play), Greg Smith (empty net) and Noah Solinger had the other goals for the Soo.

Mark Tassone also got on the scoresheet with one assist.

Beavers assistant captain Yianni Liarakos scored twice, including once on the power play while Mark Bastianello set up two goals.

Matt had graduated from Sault College in the General Arts and Sciences program in 2011 and has been working in the sports field ever since. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native has worked as an Athletics Assistant in the Sault College Athletics Department during his final year of school in 2011. After graduating, Stefano worked for two years at the George Leach Centre from 2011-2013 for the Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Basketball Games as an Athletics Assistant. From 2013 on, Stefano has been working as the Soo Thunderbirds communications person and has also been volunteering with Shaw TV Sault Ste. Marie since 2014, doing Soo Thunderbirds TV Segments.

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